What should you not Clean Aluminum with?

Aluminum products by virtue of its lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant properties, has long been infiltrated into every aspect of our lives – from the home of the aluminum kitchenware, doors and windows, to the industrial field of aluminum profiles, automotive parts, and then to the marine equipment, architectural curtain wall, can be seen almost everywhere. However, many people do not know that the “durability” of aluminum products is a prerequisite: improper cleaning methods will directly damage the protective oxide layer on its surface, resulting in fading, corrosion, denting, and even shorten the service life.
Today we will focus on the core question: what can’t be used to clean aluminum products? Combined with the unique characteristics of aluminum, different scenarios of cleaning taboos, as well as common cleaning misunderstandings, a one-time to make it clear, to help you avoid “the more you wash, the worse” pit, so that the aluminum products to maintain a long-term state of good condition. In order to understand “what not to use to clean”, the first thing you need to understand is the 3 core characteristics of aluminum – this is why many common cleaners are “unfriendly” to it:

Understanding Aluminum’s Unique Properties for Cleaning

Although aluminum is strong and lightweight, but in the cleaning has a “soft spot”, its unique physical and chemical properties, determines its high demand for cleaning agents and cleaning tools, especially in the ultrasonic cleaning and other industrial cleaning scenarios, the need for precise control.

Soft Texture

Aluminum’s Mohs hardness is only 2.75, much lower than stainless steel (Mohs hardness 5.5-6.5), iron and other common metals, belonging to the softer texture of the metal material. This characteristic makes the surface of aluminum products are very easy to be sharp, rough tools scratch, even daily cleaning of the tiny sand particles mixed, if you wipe hard, will also leave a fine scratch.

Once the surface scratches, not only will destroy the original smooth texture and aesthetics of aluminum products, but also break the surface of a thin layer of protective oxide layer – this layer of oxide layer is aluminum products against corrosion of the “natural barrier”, the barrier is broken, moisture in the air, impurities will come into direct contact with the aluminum substrate. After the barrier is broken, moisture and impurities in the air will directly contact the aluminum matrix, accelerating the oxidation and corrosion of aluminum products, so that the surface becomes more and more rough, dark.

Easy to Chemical Reaction

Aluminum is a chemically active metal, in the air will quickly react with oxygen to form a layer of dense aluminum oxide oxide layer, which is also the key to aluminum products can resist minor corrosion daily. However, this oxide layer is not stable, very sensitive to acidic and alkaline substances, once contacted, a chemical reaction will be destroyed.

Whether it is a strong acid (such as hydrochloric acid) or strong alkali (such as caustic soda), will directly dissolve the oxide layer, resulting in the exposure of the aluminum substrate, which in turn leads to corrosion, surface depression, discoloration and other problems. Especially for anodic oxidation, coating type aluminum products, this type of treatment of the surface itself is to enhance the protection, once the acid and alkali substances erosion, the damage will be more serious, and most of them can not be reversed, directly affecting the service life of aluminum products.

“Improper High Temperature”

Aluminum products melting point of about 660 ℃, daily use and routine cleaning in the temperature (such as ultrasonic cleaning tank of the conventional temperature of 40-60 ℃), and will not cause damage to it, but rather the appropriate temperature can enhance the cleaning efficiency, to help dissolve the surface oil and impurities.

However, aluminum products are afraid of “improper high temperature”, where improper high temperature mainly refers to two scenarios: one is the temperature is too high (more than 80 ℃), and the second is the combination of high temperature and improper cleaning agents. For example, if you use high-temperature hot water with alkaline cleaners to clean coated aluminum products, the high temperature will accelerate the reaction between the alkaline substance and the oxidized layer, which may lead to softening, peeling and yellowing of the coating; and exposed aluminum products in a high-temperature environment will accelerate the oxidation, so that the surface will darken quickly and lose its luster.

Core Challenges in Cleaning

For industrial aluminum profiles, aluminum precision parts (e.g., aluminum parts for automotive engines, aluminum housings for electronic equipment), etc., in addition to avoiding contraindicated cleaning agents and tools when cleaning, there are additional professional challenges, and these details directly determine the effectiveness of cleaning and the integrity of the aluminum product.

For example, ultrasonic cleaning, frequency selection is particularly critical: for stainless steel and other hard metals, low-frequency ultrasound (20-40kHz), the impact is strong, for aluminum products, easy to lead to the surface of the surface of the small depressions (i.e., “cavitation corrosion”), so the aluminum products need to use high-frequency ultrasonic (60-100kHz), not only can effectively remove stains, but also can be used in the cleaning of aluminum products. Can effectively remove stains, but also to avoid damage to the surface;

Secondly, the cleaning power and tank size matching, if the power is not enough or the tank is too small, aluminum parts can not fully contact the cleaning solution, which will lead to incomplete cleaning, residual stains will subsequently accelerate corrosion;

Finally, the temperature and composition of the cleaning solution, the temperature is recommended to be controlled at 40-60 ℃, the composition must be selected from neutral formulations, avoid any acidic or alkaline additives, otherwise it will be chemically reacted with the aluminum, damaging the parts. If these details are not properly controlled, even without the “taboo cleaner”, will cause irreversible damage to industrial aluminum products, affecting their performance.

Forbidden Cleaners for Aluminum

Whether it is household aluminum products (kitchenware, doors and windows, outdoor furniture), or industrial, automotive, marine aluminum components, the core of cleaning is to “protect the oxide layer, to avoid surface damage”. The following types of cleaners and tools, will directly damage the surface protection of aluminum products, belongs to the “absolute taboo”, no matter what kind of scene, must be avoided, to avoid irreparable damage caused by negligence.

Taboo Cleaners

Acid Cleaners

Acid is the “natural enemy number one” of aluminum products, and its core harm is to directly corrode and dissolve the protective oxide layer on the surface of aluminum, leading to direct exposure of the aluminum substrate to the air, which in turn causes a series of problems:

Short-term surface depression, blackening, loss of luster, long-term use will make the surface of aluminum products covered with tiny pockmarks, become “full of holes”, and even loosening of the structure, the complete loss of use value. Especially for the coating, anodic oxidation of aluminum products, acidic detergents corrosion faster, the damage is more serious.

Common examples: hydrochloric acid (toilet bowl cleaner, descaling agent of the main ingredients, corrosive and strong), undiluted white vinegar (acetic acid concentration of about 4% -6%, long-term or large areas will slowly corrode the oxide layer), lemon juice (citric acid content is high, belongs to the natural acidic cleaner, seems to be gentle, but in fact, it will damage the surface of the aluminum), citrus cleaners (most add high concentration of citric acid, corrosive to aluminum products obviously), Acid descaler (such as boiler descaler, faucet descaler, extremely acidic, is strictly prohibited for aluminum products).

Hazard: Destroy the oxide layer, resulting in corrosion, denting, discoloration, irreversible damage to anodized, coated aluminum products, once corroded, can not be repaired by cleaning; even for bare aluminum products, undiluted acidic cleaners will cause permanent damage, so that the surface loses its luster and becomes rough.

Note: Many people will use white vinegar to clean the slight oxidation of aluminum products, this method only applies to bare aluminum products, and must be diluted white vinegar (white vinegar and water ratio of 1:3), immediately after wiping with water and rinse thoroughly, and then dry with a soft cloth, to avoid the acetic acid residue; absolutely can not be used for coated, anodized aluminum products, otherwise it will directly damage the surface layer, resulting in fading, peeling.

Alkaline Cleaner

With the acidic cleaner “direct corrosion” is different, alkaline cleaners on aluminum products is more insidious, many people mistakenly think that “alkaline cleaner mild, does not hurt the material”, but do not know that it is just as serious as the harm to aluminum products. Aluminum and alkaline substances will undergo a chemical reaction, generating soluble aluminate, and then decompose the surface of the protective oxide layer, resulting in aluminum surface yellowing, grey, corrosion spots, especially for aluminum kitchenware, precision parts, alkaline residue will also bring additional hazards.

Common examples: 84 disinfectant (the main component of sodium hypochlorite, alkaline, commonly used in disinfection, but can never be used for aluminum cleaning), ammonia-based cleaners (such as glass cleaner, ammonia will react with aluminum, resulting in surface corrosion), oven cleaner (most of the strong alkaline, used to remove oven grease, if used in the liner of the aluminum oven, it will be serious corrosion of the surface), caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, industrial-grade strong), alkaline substances, strictly prohibited from contact with any aluminum surface. Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, industrial grade strong alkaline substance, strictly prohibited from contacting any aluminum products), high alkaline degreaser.

Hazard: decomposition of the protective oxide layer, causing corrosion, surface gray, yellowing, long-term use will lead to structural loosening of aluminum products; for aluminum kitchenware, alkaline cleaner residue may contaminate food, affecting human health; for industrial aluminum profiles, alkaline corrosion will affect the structural integrity, increase safety hazards and maintenance costs.

Toxic Solvents

The main hazard of this type of solvent is damage to coated, anodized, painted aluminum products, the direct corrosion of bare aluminum products is small, but will destroy its surface gloss, while the solvent itself is toxic, not only will pollute the environment, but also may have an impact on human health, especially not suitable for household scenes and food contact aluminum products (such as aluminum kitchenware).

Common examples: acetone (commonly used to remove paint, glue, will directly dissolve the surface of aluminum products, spray paint, powder coating), chlorine-based chemicals (such as chlorine disinfectant, chloroform, will corrode the coating, at the same time toxic), petroleum solvents (such as gasoline, kerosene, will soften the coating, resulting in the coating off, sticky), turpentine (used in the coating of aluminum products, it will damage the surface luster, resulting in discoloration).

Hazards: Damage to the surface coating (spray paint, powder coating, anodic oxidation layer), resulting in fading, peeling, sticky, affecting the beauty and protective effect of aluminum products; solvent residues may contaminate the food (kitchenware scenarios) or damage the surrounding components (automotive, industrial scenarios); part of the solvent is volatile, and inhalation will stimulate the respiratory tract, endangering human health, while polluting the environment.

Prohibited Tools

In addition to cleaning agents, the choice of cleaning tools is also crucial. Aluminum products have a fragile surface, a little carelessness will be scratched, and scratches not only affect the beauty, but also destroy the oxide layer, accelerate corrosion. The following “hard tools”, no matter what kind of cleaning aluminum products, should never be used, even if it seems “soft” tools, may also cause damage to the surface.

Steel wire ball, steel wire brush: extremely high hardness, and aluminum products in contact, will leave deep scratches on the surface, and even scrape off the surface of the oxide layer; at the same time, steel wire ball metal shavings will remain on the surface of the aluminum, and subsequently accelerate the oxidation and corrosion, so that the surface of the aluminum products appeared black spots, it is difficult to clean up.

Rough cleaning cloth, sandpaper: even if marked “soft”, its surface fibers or sand particles will wear the surface of aluminum products, especially on the coating, anodic oxidation of aluminum products, will directly damage the surface layer, resulting in coating off, anodic oxidation layer is damaged, the loss of protection; sandpaper abrasive even more, even fine sandpaper, will also leave a Even fine sandpaper will leave obvious scratches on the aluminum surface.

Metal scraper, spatula: sharp metal edges will directly scratch the surface of aluminum, and will even shovel off the coating, anodized layer, suitable for stainless steel, glass and other hard materials, but definitely not suitable for aluminum products; especially aluminum kitchenware, with metal scraper to clean up stubborn stains, it will leave deep scratches, but also possible residual metal debris.

High-pressure water gun (proximity): the impact of high-pressure water gun is strong, close range (distance less than 30cm) when used, will wash off the coating, anodic oxide layer, resulting in corrosion of aluminum products into the water; can only be used in long-distance range (distance greater than 50cm), low pressure for the initial rinsing of the exposed aluminum products, and the need for immediate drying after rinsing.

Aluminum Products in Different Scenes

Aluminum products for different purposes have different surface treatments (bare, anodized, coated, painted, etc.) and are used in different environments (domestic, industrial, outdoor, marine, etc.), so cleaning taboos will also be different. By avoiding the corresponding taboos, we can better protect aluminum products, extend their service life and avoid damage caused by “universal cleaning”.

Aluminum Products in Natural Color

Taboos: undiluted acidic cleaners, strong alkaline cleaners, rough cleaning tools; sandpaper is strictly prohibited to polish the surface, to avoid damaging the oxidized layer; and avoid long-term exposure to humid, salty environments (such as seashore, kitchen humid area), otherwise it will accelerate oxidation.

Note: Diluted white vinegar (white vinegar and water ratio of 1:3) can be used to remove the slight oxidation of bare aluminum products, but after wiping it must be thoroughly rinsed with water and then dried with a soft cloth to avoid acetic acid residue; a thin layer of neutral antirust agent (a small amount of edible oil can be applied for household scenes) can be applied to enhance protection after cleaning.

Anodized Aluminum Products

Contraindications: all acidic and alkaline cleaners, solvent cleaners, rough tools, acidic cleaning; it is strictly prohibited to use high-pressure water gun to rinse in close range to avoid the anodized layer from falling off; also avoid contact with sharp objects to prevent scratches to the surface layer.

Key Risk: The anodic oxide layer is a dense protective layer formed on the surface of aluminum by professional craftsmanship, once it is destroyed, it cannot be repaired, which will lead to the loss of anticorrosion and anti-scratch ability of the aluminum products, and the surface will be oxidized and discolored rapidly, and even corrosion spots will appear, which will seriously affect the aesthetics and service life.

Powder Coated Aluminum Products

Contraindication: solvent cleaners, strong alkaline degreasing agents, rough tools, high-pressure water gun in close proximity; forbidden to scrape the surface with fingernails and metal objects to avoid coating breakage; at the same time, avoid long-term exposure to strong light and high temperature environment to prevent coating fading and aging.

Key risk: the main role of the coating is to protect the aluminum substrate and enhance the aesthetics, once the coating peeling, fading, sticky, not only affects the appearance, but also leads to the exposure of the aluminum substrate, accelerating corrosion; and after the coating is broken, it is difficult to repair, most of which need to be repainted, sprayed and increase the maintenance cost.

Aluminum Kitchenware

Contraindications: bleach, oven cleaner, steel wire ball, long-term holding of highly acidic food (such as tomatoes, lemon, vinegar); forbidden to use a metal scraper to clean up stubborn stains; to avoid placing high-temperature aluminum kitchenware directly on cold countertops, to prevent thermal expansion and contraction leading to surface deformation, cracking.

Key Risks: After the surface corrosion and depression, food residues and cleaning agents will be left behind, which is difficult to clean up and easy to breed bacteria, leading to food contamination and affecting human health; holding highly acidic food for a long period of time will accelerate the leaching of aluminum, and excessive intake of aluminum will have adverse effects on the human nervous system and bones.

Industrial Aluminum Profiles/Aluminum Components

Contraindications: untested industrial cleaners, high pressure cleaning (improper frequency), rough tools, strong acid and alkali cleaners; it is strictly prohibited to expose aluminum parts to humid and salty environments (e.g., the ocean, rainy days) without wiping them dry after cleaning; avoid hitting aluminum parts with hard metals to prevent surface dents and broken oxide layers.

Key Risks: Industrial aluminum profiles are mostly used in construction, machinery and other fields, and damage to the structural integrity will affect the overall safety; automotive and marine aluminum parts are exposed to outdoor and marine environments for a long period of time, and corrosion will affect the performance of the use, increase the cost of maintenance, and even lead to safety hazards (e.g., corrosion of automotive aluminum wheels, and breakage of marine aluminum guardrails).

5 Common Misconceptions about Cleaning Aluminum Products

Avoiding taboo cleaners and tools is not enough, many people in the cleaning of aluminum products, although the right products and tools, but because of improper operation, will still damage aluminum products. The following 5 common misunderstandings, 90% of the people have committed, must be vigilant, to avoid small losses.

Rough Tools “Fierce Rub”, Rapid Descaling

Many people think that aluminum products “resistant”, in the face of stubborn stains (such as the bottom of the aluminum pot of scorched, aluminum doors and windows of stubborn dust), will subconsciously use steel wool, rough Pepsi cloth rubbing, that this can be a fast descaling. But in fact, this practice will directly scratch the surface of aluminum products, destroying the oxide layer, and then not only easier to stain, corrosion, but also make the surface become rough, dark, lose the original luster, and even residual metal debris, accelerate corrosion.

Correct practice: soft microfiber cloth, sponge, with mild neutral cleaner, gently wipe the stains; if the stains are stubborn, you can apply the cleaner in the stains, let it stand for 5-10 minutes, until the stains are softened and then gently wipe, to avoid over-exerting themselves; home scenarios can be combined with a small amount of baking soda (blended into a paste), to gently remove stubborn stains, and will not damage the surface.

Neglect Oxidation, Let the Surface “Gray, Dark”

Oxidation of aluminum products is a natural phenomenon, especially bare aluminum products, long-term exposure to the air, the surface will appear a layer of grayish-white powdery oxidized layer, resulting in the surface gray, dark, and loss of luster. Many people either think “does not affect the use, do not care”, or sandpaper grinding, trying to remove the oxide layer, but this will further damage the surface, damage the oxide layer, accelerate the subsequent oxidation, the formation of “the more you grind the more oxidation” vicious cycle.

Correct practice: found that the surface of aluminum products appear slight oxidation, timely use of neutral aluminum cleaner, or household baking soda (into a paste), gently wipe the oxidized layer, followed by rinsing with water and dry; industrial scenes can use professional oxidation remover, in accordance with the instructions to avoid excessive wiping; cleaning can be coated with a layer of neutral protective agent to delay the oxidation.

Casual Use of Household Cleaners, Think “can Wash Clean on the Line”

Many people clean aluminum products, will casually pick up the home cleaner (such as toilet bowl cleaner, kitchen heavy grease net, glass cleaner), think “as long as you can wash clean, with what are the same”. But in fact, most household cleaners are either acidic or alkaline, although it can clean other items (such as tiles, glass), but for aluminum products, it is a “corrosive agent”, will quickly destroy the oxide layer, resulting in surface damage.

Correct practice: no matter what kind of aluminum products, give priority to the label “neutral” “for aluminum products” cleaner, this kind of cleaner is mild, will not react with aluminum, can effectively remove stains, while protecting the surface oxidation layer; before use in the aluminum products of the Before use, do a small area test on the hidden place of aluminum products to confirm that there is no damage and no discoloration, and then use it on a large area.

Do not Dry after Cleaning, Let the Water Stains Residue

Many people clean aluminum products, will feel “rinse clean on the end”, let the surface water residue, especially hard water areas, calcium and magnesium ions in the water will form scale on the aluminum surface, long-term will cover the oxidation layer, resulting in surface darkness, roughness, and scale will accelerate the destruction of the oxidized layer, triggering corrosion. Especially in humid environments (such as kitchen, bathroom, outdoor), water residue will double the oxidation rate of aluminum products.

Correct practice: clean and dry thoroughly with a clean soft cloth to avoid water stains residue; hard water areas can be rinsed with distilled water, and then wipe dry to reduce the formation of scale; industrial aluminum profiles can be air-dried, dried to ensure that the surface is free of moisture; clean aluminum products, try to be placed in a dry, ventilated environment, to avoid humidity.

Not Regular Cleaning, Let the Stains Accumulate

Aluminum products stains, dust accumulation for a long time, will cover the surface of the oxide layer, resulting in the oxide layer can not play a normal protective role, while impurities in the stains (such as salt, oil) will accelerate the oxidation and corrosion, especially industrial, marine scene of aluminum parts, long-term exposure to harsh environments, the accumulation of stains will allow corrosion to accelerate dramatically, shortening the service life. Many people do not clean regularly because it is too much trouble, and when they find that the surface is seriously oxidized and corroded, it is beyond repair.

Correct practice: according to the use of aluminum products scene, the development of regular cleaning plan: household aluminum products (kitchenware, doors and windows) 1-2 times a month cleaning, outdoor aluminum furniture quarterly cleaning; industrial, marine aluminum parts according to the environment, cleaning once a month, the seaside, industrial pollution is serious in the region, you can increase the frequency of cleaning, to avoid long-term adhesion of stains.

Proper Cleaning of Aluminum Products

After avoiding taboos and misunderstandings, cleaning aluminum products properly is actually very simple, without complex tools and professional knowledge. The following 3 most common scenarios, give specific, actionable cleaning steps, novice can easily get started, not only clean, but also to protect aluminum products, to extend its service life.

Household Aluminum Products

Household aluminum products are mostly bare or simple coating, cleaning focus on “gentle descaling, avoid scratches, timely drying”, without professional tools, with common household items can be completed.

Pre-rinse: Rinse the surface of aluminum products with room temperature water to remove surface dust, sand, floating dirt, to avoid cleaning, these small particles scratch the surface; if there is more dust on the surface, you can use a soft cloth to gently wipe, and then rinse.

Gentle cleaning: Prepare 1 liter of warm water, add a small amount of neutral detergent (such as household dishwashing liquid), mix well, the formation of a mild cleaning solution; with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in the solution, gently wipe the surface of the aluminum products, the force control within 1kg (roughly equivalent to the strength of the gently press), to avoid over-exertion; for stubborn stains, you can apply the solution in the stains, leave it for 5-10 minutes, to be softened stains For stubborn stains, apply the solution to the stain and leave it for 5-10 minutes to soften before wiping.

Thorough rinsing: Rinse the detergent residue on the surface of aluminum products thoroughly with water, especially in the crevices and corners of aluminum kitchenware, to avoid long-term adhesion of the detergent residue, resulting in surface darkening and corrosion.

Wipe dry: Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth to dry the surface of aluminum products immediately to avoid water residue and prevent the formation of scale and oxidation.

Remarks: If there is slight oxidation, use baking soda + a small amount of water to make a paste, gently wipe the oxidized parts with a sponge, let it stand for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry; if the stains are stubborn (e.g., burnt aluminum pots and pans), you can use a special neutral aluminum cleaner, follow the instruction manual; after cleaning the aluminum kitchen utensils, you can apply a small amount of edible oil to enhance the protection and slow down the oxidation.

Aluminum Parts for Automobiles and Ships

These aluminum products are exposed to the outdoor, marine environment for a long time, the surface is easy to stained with salt, oil, dust, and most of the coating or anodic oxidation treatment, cleaning focus on the “protection of the surface layer, to remove the salt and oil”, to avoid damage to the coating.

Masking protection: Use masking film or plastic wrap to cover the paint, plastic trim, and rubber parts around the aluminum parts, to avoid the cleaning process, the cleaner splashed on these parts, causing damage.

Pre-rinsing: Rinse the surface of aluminum parts with low-pressure water (water pressure control at 0.3-0.5MPa) to remove surface salts, mud, floating dirt and other corrosive impurities, especially marine aluminum parts, focus on rinsing salts to avoid long-term adhesion of salts leading to corrosion.

Degreasing and cleaning: Use special neutral degreasing agent for automobiles (e.g. WD-40 Specialist), evenly sprayed on the surface of aluminum parts, gently wipe with a soft cloth to remove the surface of oil, tar and other stubborn stains; avoid excessive force when wiping to prevent scratches on the coating.

Oxidation treatment: If the surface of aluminum parts has slight oxidation, use special aluminum polishing agent with soft polishing pads to gently polish the oxidized parts until the surface regains its luster; use even force when polishing to avoid excessive local polishing and damage to the coating.

Rinse and dry: Rinse the surface of aluminum parts thoroughly with low-pressure water to remove the residue of cleaner and polish; dry it gently with a soft cloth to avoid water stains, and then apply a layer of special aluminum protective agent to enhance the anti-corrosion ability and resist the erosion of the outdoor and marine environments.

Industrial Aluminum Profiles/Precision Aluminum Components

These aluminum products are mostly used in industrial production, the surface may have oil, industrial dust, metal debris, and the cleaning precision requirements are higher, the cleaning focus is “thoroughly remove dirt, protect the structure, avoid damage”, need to match with professional tools and cleaners.

Isolation protection: Use plastic cloth or protective film to isolate non-aluminum parts (such as steel, plastic, electronic components) around the aluminum parts, so as to avoid the cleaner contacting these parts during the cleaning process, which may cause corrosion or damage.

Selection of tools: choose neutral industrial aluminum cleaner (in line with industrial cleaning standards, no acidic, alkaline components), wet 3M 7447 soft cloth (soft texture, will not scratch the surface); cleaning wear gloves, masks, goggles, to avoid contact with the cleaner skin and respiratory tract, to ensure the safety of the operation.

Cleaning operation: Dilute the neutral industrial aluminum cleaner (according to the proportion of the manual), spray on the surface of aluminum parts, gently wipe along the straight line direction with a soft cloth, the force does not exceed 2kg, to avoid excessive force leading to surface scratches; the cloth should be replaced in a timely manner, to avoid surface contamination of metal shavings, dust, and again scratched the surface of the aluminum products.

Inspection and acceptance: after cleaning, wipe the surface with a clean soft cloth, check whether the surface is smooth, no stains, no scratches; if there is a gloss meter, you can test the surface gloss, the reading needs to be higher than 75 GU, to ensure that the cleaning effect is up to standard; if there are still stains on the surface, you can repeat the cleaning steps, to avoid excessive wiping.

Follow-up protection: After cleaning, wait until the surface of aluminum parts is completely dry, apply special industrial aluminum products protective agent (such as rust inhibitor, anti-corrosion coating), to enhance the protective ability, resist dust, oil, moisture erosion in the industrial environment, to extend the service life.

Remedy for Oxidized Aluminum Products

If the aluminum products have been slightly oxidized, there is no need to panic, as long as they are treated in time, they can be effectively remedied and the surface condition can be restored; however, if the oxidization is serious (obvious dents and corrosion spots on the surface), or the coating or anodized layer is broken, it is recommended to seek for a professional restoration, and treating them on your own may aggravate the damage. The following shares 4 simple and easy-to-operate remedies for domestic and simple industrial scenarios.

Baking soda paste: Prepare the right amount of baking soda and water, mix into a paste (concentration to not flow appropriate), gently wipe the oxidized parts with a sponge, wipe the intensity to be gentle, to avoid scratching the surface, let it stand for 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly with water, and then dry it with a soft cloth, you can effectively remove minor oxidation, restore surface luster; suitable for household exposed aluminum products (such as aluminum pots, aluminum doors and windows).

Medical Alcohol: Use a clean soft cloth, dipped in a small amount of medical alcohol (denatured alcohol), gently wipe the oxidized surface, alcohol can quickly dissolve the oxidized layer on the surface, the operation is simple, no residue, suitable for mild oxidation of bare aluminum products and coated aluminum products (no breakage); no need to rinse after wiping, and can be dried naturally.

White vinegar + salt: pour white vinegar into a pot, heat it to warm (not boiling, temperature about 50℃), add appropriate amount of coarse salt, stir well and mix it into a paste; after the paste cools down to room temperature, apply it on the oxidized part, let it stand for 10 minutes, let the mixture of white vinegar and salt fully act on the oxidized layer, after that, rinse it clean with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth, it’s suitable for the more obvious oxidization (gray and dark surface); it’s only applicable to Bare aluminum products, strictly prohibited for coating, anodized aluminum products.

Industrial scenario: use professional aluminum oxidation remover (in line with industrial standards, mild and non-corrosive), dilute according to the proportion of the instructions, spray on the oxidized parts, leave it for a specified time, wipe it gently with a soft cloth, then rinse it off with water, dry it and then apply a protective agent; when operating, you need to wear protective gear to avoid contacting the skin and the surrounding parts, suitable for industrial aluminum extrusions, precision aluminum parts with slight oxidation.

How to Judge the Aluminum Products have been Cleaned Damage?

Many people clean aluminum products, do not know whether their operation has caused damage, until the discovery of serious surface corrosion, coating off, has been irreparable. In fact, aluminum products are cleaning damage, there will be obvious signals, as long as the timely detection, stop improper cleaning, you can avoid damage aggravation, if necessary, seek professional restoration. The following five signals that aluminum products have been cleaned damage:

Grayish-white, powdery substances appear on the surface, and the more you rub the more (oxidation corrosion): This is the destruction of the oxide layer, the aluminum matrix and air reaction, resulting in a new oxide layer, indicating that the cleaning of the use of contraindicated detergents (acid, alkaline) or rough tools, resulting in the oxidized layer is broken.

Small depressions and pockmarks on the surface (corrosion by acidic/alkaline cleaners): This is formed when acidic or alkaline cleaners come into contact with aluminum products for a long period of time and corrode the surface, which is an irreversible damage that affects the aesthetics and protection of the aluminum products, and in serious cases, it will lead to loosening of the structure.

Coating, anodic oxide layer peeling, sticky, fading (solvent or rough tool damage): coating or anodic oxide layer appeared local peeling, sticky, fading, indicating that the cleaning of solvent cleaners, or rough tools, resulting in surface damage, can not be repaired by themselves.

The surface has deep scratches, and the scratches are easy to stain and oxidize: the scratches are deeper, indicating that rough tools (such as steel wire ball, sandpaper) are used when cleaning, and the oxidized layer at the scratches has been damaged, and the subsequent staining and oxidization will be quick, accelerating the damage of aluminum products.

Industrial aluminum profiles appear structural loosening, deformation (caused by serious corrosion): industrial aluminum profile surface appears obvious corrosion, and accompanied by structural loosening, deformation, indicating that improper cleaning leads to corrosion deep into the aluminum matrix, affecting the structural integrity of the existence of safety hazards, the need to immediately stop using, and seek professional repair.

Summarize

The durability of aluminum products can not be separated from the correct cleaning and maintenance. Avoiding the above taboos and misunderstandings, using mild detergents, soft tools, regular cleaning, timely drying, you can keep aluminum products beautiful and prolong the service life – no matter whether it is a household aluminum kitchenware, or industrial aluminum profiles, automotive aluminum parts, can benefit for life.

In the case of industrial aluminum profiles, special coated aluminum products, or encountering serious oxidation or corrosion, it is recommended to consult a professional aluminum care organization for customized cleaning solutions, to avoid greater damage caused by self-treatment.